Gear-Ratio-Accelerated? Yep, It's a Thing: French MAT 1955 Prototype
This video explores a rare French firearm prototype, the MAT 1955, a short-recoil, tilting bolt, gear-ratio-delayed rifle. Developed as a potential improvement for the MAS 1949, it chambered the 7.5x54mm cartridge and utilized 20-round detachable magazines. The video details its open-bolt firing mechanism and a later iteration in 1956 that reduced weight by incorporating aluminum. Despite its innovative design, the rifle was ultimately unsuccessful and not adopted by the French Army. The presentation acknowledges a correction regarding the gear ratio's function, clarifying its role in bolt acceleration for reliable cycling, drawing parallels to systems in the Browning M1917/1919 and Lahti L35.













